Individuals and organizations are allowed to choose their area of investment, the structure of their business and the method by which capital is raised, as long as their choices are in compliance with Vietnamese law, international treaties and commitments.

Opening a foreign-owned business in Vietnam is possible and even encouraged by the Vietnamese government, although the laws are complex and the process can be complicated. Modern business law is in its infancy in Vietnam. Laws and regulations may be incomplete, ambiguous and subject to conflicting interpretations by different government agencies. Having the help of an experienced and well-connected Vietnamese law firm is highly recommended.

Foreigners are permitted to own and operate their own businesses in Vietnam, either through indirect or direct foreign investment. Indirect investment can be made by individuals or organizations that can buy shares in Vietnamese firms or invest through stocks, investment funds or use other intermediate financial instruments. Businesses that are wholly foreign-owned or are participating in joint ventures with a Vietnamese business are considered to be direct foreign investments.

Types of Business

There are many foreign-owned small businesses in Vietnam, as well as a growing presence of international firms and franchises.

There are three business structures available for those who want to open a business in Vietnam. The business may be:

A 100 percent foreign-owned sole proprietorship or partnership

A joint venture enterprise

A business cooperative that is owned and controlled by the people who use its services

Vietnam encourages foreign investment in certain sectors, including:

The production of items for export

Animal husbandry, farming and the processing of agricultural, forest and aquaculture products

The utilisation of high technology and modern manufacturing techniques

The protection of ecological environments

Research and development

Labour intensive activities

The processing of raw materials

The efficient utilisation of natural resources

Construction of infrastructure facilities and important industrial production establishments

Investment in mountainous and remote regions

Investment in regions with difficult economic and social conditions

Not all businesses are open to foreign participation, including those in any sector that may have an adverse effect on:

National defence

National security

Cultural and historical preservation

Vietnamese customs and traditions

The natural environment of Vietnam

Documents Required

People wanting to establish a new business in Vietnam are required to produce several specific legal documents. These include a valid personal identity card or passport, as well as papers proving financial solvency. A foreign enterprise wanting to set up an office or factory in Vietnam must provide the following documents:

A certificate of incorporation

A company charter or articles of association

Audited financial statements for the past 12 months

Valid personal identity cards or passports of any of the business’ authorised representatives

How to get a business license

The process to register your business consists of three main stages. Firstly, you need to submit the registering application directly at the Business Registration Department and make an appointment to collect the license. The registering application consists of a request paper for registration of the enterprise and an ID of the company owner – either a notarized copy of your passport or citizen card will do. In some special cases, you also need to produce the certificate of legal capital or the certificate of profession if they are required.
After that, the Business Registration Department will assess your application to examine whether it is valid or not, and prepare the business license to the valid application. Finally, after 45-120 days from the submitting day, you can come again to the Business Registration to collect your result. If you application is approved, you can receive your business license immediately, but if not, you can take back your application for modifying and fixing, and then resubmit it in the same place. In order to do business in Vietnam, you have to register your company to the authorities to get permission and license to operate. This registration process usually takes place at the Business Registration Department of the Provincial or City Office of Planning and Investment (see Ministry of Planning and Investment).